Drawing Challenge: Let's Get Abstract!

If you're ready for some sketching today, here's this week's drawing challenge:

Let's Get Abstract!
If you're up for the challenge, use the techniques you've learned during the past few weeks to create an abstract drawing. An abstract drawing doesn't represent things (people, objects, places, nature, etc.) in the real world. Instead, you're going to use combinations of lines, shapes, patterns, tones (shading), and textures to make a picture from your imagination.

Think of it as composing music. Use the repetition of lines and shapes to create rhythm in your composition on paper. Get bold with swirling movements of your arm like a conductor of an orchestra. Express your emotions and feelings through the lines that you draw.

You can use all different kinds of lines (thick, thin, curved, angled, squiggly, etc.). Try overlapping shapes. Throw in a bunch of patterns and textures to make designs. The only rule: Don't draw any people, places, or things from the real world.

left: Gage has some abstract designs in the background of last week's lesson about patterns and textures.







Here are more examples of abstract art:

Wassily Kandinsky was the guy who created the first abstract painting, about 80 years ago. Here's some of his work: Click

Juan Miro was another big time abstract artist. Here's his work: Click

Although these artists from a group called Wee Will Doodle include things from the real world in their doodles, I think you'll get inspired by there approach to drawing. I think you'll like their drawing styles: Click (scroll down to see photos of the artists drawing)

Okay. Do some quick warm ups, then get into the "Zone" (a little music?), and start drawing an abstract composition from your imagination. And don't forget to check back here tomorrow to see your drawings and comments from last week's lesson. --Rob